NYT
How 9/11 Helped Create Regional Clout for Iran
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
The 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq removed the country's government and military, which had previously served as a regional counterweight to Iran. Following the invasion, Iran expanded its political and military presence in Iraq through support for various armed groups and political parties. Iran's influence subsequently extended into Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen through similar networks of armed organizations and political allies.
